KCSE candidate dies in botched delivery moments after Wednesday paper

A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate died while giving birth moments after completing her examinations. 

The deceased whose identity was still withheld by authorities was undertaking her KCSE exams at Rata Secondary School in Seme, Kisumu County.

County Director of Education Isaak Atebe said preliminary reports from school Principal Benson Okoth indicated that the girl died at a local dispensary on Wednesday night.

Atebe said the report indicates that the candidate had successfully done her Wednesday papers, and being a day scholar, left the school together with her colleagues.

However, at night, she developed labour pains and was rushed to the nearby dispensary where she developed complications and died before she could be referred for more specialised treatment.

“The report we have is a verbal one from the school management, and a comprehensive report will come later,” said Atebe.

He said he had already dispatched a team from his office to visit the school to furnish him with a complete report, which would verify the preliminary report.

Sources said the 18-year-old girl had not shown any signs of difficulties during the examination period and had intimated to her friends that her expected delivery date was due next week.

Area Sub County Police Commander Hellen Rotich said they were yet to receive the report.

“We do not have such reports yet, and can only comment should it get to our desk,” said Rotich.

The KCSE examinations are set to come to an end next week.